Crop conveyor deck with adjustable discharge angle

ABSTRACT

A windrower with a header has a conveying medium with first and second portions connected with a pivot joint and moveable across a plural rollers configured to receive crop material from the header and direct the crop material to a side of the windrower to form a windrow on the ground to the side of the windrower. In an operational position and with the frame selected to one of the predetermined angular adjustments, the conveying medium discharges the harvested crop material at an angle of trajectory determined by the selected angular position of the second portion. The windrower harvests crop with the header, receives the mowed crop on the conveyor system, adjusts a rate at which the mowed crop is discharged from the conveyor system, and adjusts an angle of trajectory at which the mowed crop is discharged from the conveyor system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/132,847, filed Apr. 19, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/150,928 filedApr. 22, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The present disclosure is generally related to agricultural equipmentand, more particularly, is related to crop discharge mechanisms of awindrower.

Description of Related Art

Traditional crop conveyors (e.g., double or triple windrow attachmentsand/or mergers) rely on the speed of their belt to control the placementof the conveyed crop. While this method is widely accepted, it is by nomeans ideal. While belt speed may control the placement of the crop, itmay also have an effect on windrow formation and crop orientation, whichare equally as important as they affect how well the crop can then befed into a forage harvester or baler.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, one aspect of the invention is directed to a windrower awindrower having mechanism for harvesting crop material from a field andfor discharging the harvested crop material as the windrower advancesalong a field. The windrower has a chassis and a header coupled to thechassis and located at a front of the windrower to harvest crop materialas the windrower advances along a field and discharge the harvested cropin a rearwardly directed stream. The windrower has a crop conveyorsystem including a frame coupled to the chassis. The frame has a firstportion and a second portion and a pivot joint that enables pluralangular adjustments, within a predetermined range of angularadjustments, between the first and second portions such that a distalend of the second portion is positioned at a higher elevation relativethe field than an elevation of a proximal end of the second portionadjacent the pivot joint. The crop conveyor system has plural rollerscoupled to the frame, and a conveying medium moveable across the pluralrollers when the first and second portions are oriented at any of theplurality of angles relative to each other within the predeterminedrange and configured to receive crop material from the header and directthe crop material to a side of the windrower to form a windrow on theground to the side of the windrower. The frame is mounted for adjustingmovement between an operational, lowered position in which the cropmaterial is directed onto the conveying medium and a non-operational,raised position in which the stream of crop material is directed ontothe ground away from the conveying medium. When in the operationalposition and with the frame selected to one of the predetermined angularadjustments, the conveying medium discharges the harvested crop materialat an angle of trajectory determined by the selected angular position ofthe second portion.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of operating a windrowerwith a header coupled thereto. The method includes mowing crop with aheader configured to harvest crop material as the windrower advancesalong a field and discharge the harvested crop in a rearwardly directedstream. The method includes receiving the mowed crop on a conveyorsystem having a frame coupled to a chassis of the windrower and a movingconveying medium and moving the frame relative the chassis between anon-operational, raised position in which the stream of crop material isdirected onto the ground under the conveying medium and an operational,lowered position to direct the crop material to a side of the windrowerto form a windrow on the ground to the side of the windrower. The methodalso includes adjusting an angle of trajectory at which the mowed cropis discharged from the conveyor system such that a first section of theconveying medium is oriented at an angle different than a second sectionof the conveying medium, wherein in the operational position and withthe frame selected to one of the predetermined angular adjustments, theconveying medium discharges the harvested crop material at an angle oftrajectory determined by the selected angular position of the secondportion.

This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form thatare further described below in the Description of Preferred Embodiments.This summary is not intended to identify key features or essentialfeatures of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intendedto describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of thedisclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosedherein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable toanother. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other noveladvantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as thisdescription proceeds. The figures and the description that follow moreparticularly exemplify illustrative embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in rear-isometric view,an example windrower equipped with an embodiment of an example cropconveyor system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in fragmentary, rearelevation view, an example windrower equipped with an embodiment of anexample crop conveyor system configured in a lowered position.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in fragmentary, rearelevation view, an example windrower equipped with an embodiment of anexample crop conveyor system configured in a raised position.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in a close-up, rearisometric view, an embodiment of an example crop conveyor systemconfigured in a non-zero angled crop discharge position.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in a close-up, sideisometric view, an embodiment of an example crop conveyor systemconfigured in a non-zero angled crop discharge position.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram that illustrates, from a front, isometricperspective, the plural rollers of a frame of an example crop conveyorsystem configured in a zero angled crop discharge position.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in side elevation view,an embodiment of an example crop conveyor system configured in a zeroangled crop discharge position.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of an examplecontrol system for a crop conveyor system.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that illustrates an embodiment of an examplemethod of operating a windrower using a crop conveyor system.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments of a crop conveyor system and method for anagricultural machine, such as a windrower, are disclosed that provide amechanism to adjust a pitch or crop-conveying trajectory of a conveyingmedium (e.g., endless belt). In one embodiment, the pitch adjustment isaccomplished by adding a pivot joint (or equivalently, a pivot member)in a conveyor frame (or equivalently, conveyor deck). The pivot jointenables a first portion of the frame to remain in a traditional orconventional position and/or orientation, enabling mowed crop to bethrown onto the conveyor from a header coupled to the front of thewindrower without any (or without any significant) impediment. As themowed crop is moved by the conveying medium toward a discharge end ofthe conveyor, the pitch of the second (extended) or pivoting portion ofthe frame may be adjusted (e.g., inclined, such as relative to the firstportion) to change an angle of trajectory of the mowed crop from theconveyor system. In one embodiment, the amount of angular adjustment maytake the form of a plurality of different angular adjustments within apredetermined range of angular adjustments, whether continuouslyvariable or incremental (discrete). The pivoting (angular adjustment) ofthe discharge portion of the frame relative to the first portion enablesbetter control of crop placement without affecting windrow formationand/or crop orientation.

Digressing briefly, traditional crop conveyors (e.g., double windrowattachments) use a couple of different methods to affect cropconveyance. In one method, a fixed-angle extension is mounted to theconveyor frame, the fixed angle extension comprising a separate frameand drive system (e.g., separate from the portion to which the extensionis added to). To control the discharge of the mowed crop, operatorsadjust a secondary shield that interferes with the discharged, mowedcrop, thus altering its placement. Another mechanism to controlplacement of the discharged, mowed crop from a fixed-angle extension isto vary the belt/roller speed. A second method is to simply make thetraditional conveyor deck longer and control the mowed crop placementwith the speed of the belt. However, one perceived shortcoming to suchan approach is that windrows formed by this type of conveyor system aretypically not uniform in size or shape. Additionally, the mowed croptends to become more tangled, making it more difficult to feed into aforage harvester or baler. These issues become more prevalent as thewidth of the headers increase. In contrast, certain embodiments of cropconveyor systems eliminate the need for secondary systems whileproviding uniform windrows, simplifying the installation process andreducing costs. Certain embodiments of crop conveyor systems use acombination of the changes in belt speed and angular adjustment, whichenables a more tailored handling of conventional loads as well as a morerobust handling of the increased loads expected with headers ofincreased width.

Having summarized certain features of a crop conveyor system of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to thedescription of the disclosure as illustrated in the drawings. While thedisclosure is described in connection with these drawings, there is nointent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein.For instance, although emphasis is placed on agricultural machines orvehicles such as a windrower, it should be appreciated that othermachines or vehicles from the same or other industries that perform cropor material conveyance may similarly benefit from the systems and/ormethods of the disclosed embodiments, and hence are contemplated to bewithin the scope of the disclosure. Further, although emphasis is placedon a single conveying medium using a single frame, such as an endlessbelt, it should be appreciated that a conveying medium embodied asslats, chains, or plural belts operative with a single or multipleframes may be used in some embodiments. For instance, in someembodiments, two frames may be used, each using a respective conveyingmedium (e.g., belt) with an associated drive to cause movement of therespective belt, wherein the second frame may be pivotably adjusted foroperational use. Further, although the description identifies ordescribes specifics of one or more embodiments, such specifics are notnecessarily part of every embodiment. On the contrary, the intent is tocover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included withinthe spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appendedclaims. Further, it should be appreciated in the context of the presentdisclosure that the claims are not necessarily limited to the particularembodiments set out in the description.

Note that references hereinafter made to certain directions, such as,for example, “front”, “rear”, “left” and “right”, are made as viewedfrom the rear of the windrower looking forwardly.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in rear-isometric view,an example windrower 10 equipped with an embodiment of an example cropconveyor system 12. One having ordinary skill in the art shouldappreciate in the context of the present disclosure that the examplewindrower 10 is merely illustrative, and that other vehicles and/orconfigurations and arrangement of components may be used in someembodiments. The windrower 10 comprises a chassis 14, to which arecoupled a pair of front wheels 16 (e.g., 16A, the other front wheelobscured from view in FIG. 1) and a pair of rear wheels 18 (e.g., 18A,18B). In some embodiments, other axle and/or wheel arrangementsinvolving fewer or additional quantities of wheels, and/or differentmechanisms of ground transport (e.g., tracks), may be used. In oneembodiment, the crop conveyor system 12 comprises a frame 20 that ismoveably coupled to the chassis 14. The frame 20 is moved (e.g., raisedand lowered, rotated) according to a well-known structural assembly 22that couples the frame 20 to the chassis 14. As the features andfunction of the structural assembly 22 are well-known in theagricultural equipment industry, further discussion of the same isomitted here for brevity. Also coupled to the chassis 14 are a header 24and a cab 26. The header 24 is located at the front of the windrower 10,and is used to mow and/or condition crop as the windrower 10 advancesalong a field. The header 24 discharges the mowed crop rearward towardthe frame 20 or between the front wheels 16 depending on theimplementation and the position of the frame 20. The header 24 may bedetachably coupled to the chassis 14, and may be embodied as one of avariety of widths as is known. An operator may control operations of thewindrower 10 from within the cab 26, or in some embodiments, remotely.

Coupled to one side (rear side, such as from the perspective of when theframe 20 is at or approximately at the final mowed crop dischargeorientation) of the frame 20 is a substantially upstanding panel orpanels 28. Assuming an elongated single panel for purposes of discussionas one embodiment, the panel 28 serves at least the function of blockingthe mowed crop that is discharged rearward from the header 24 of thewindrower 10, enabling deposit of the mowed crop onto the crop conveyorsystem 12. Moveable circuitously within the frame 20 is a conveyingmedium 30 that receives the mowed crop discharged from the header 24(and blocked, at least in part, by the panel 28). In one embodiment, theconveying medium 30 comprises an endless, elastomeric belt, though insome embodiments, additional belts and/or other materials or types ofconveying mediums (e.g., slats, chains, etc.) may be used. The frame 20comprises plural rollers (obscured from view by the conveying medium 30)over which the conveying medium 30 circuitously travels.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in fragmentary, rearelevation view, the crop conveyor system 12 of FIG. 1 configured in thelowered position. As evident in FIG. 2, the frame 20 comprises a firstportion 32 and a second portion 34. The second portion 34 serves as anextended portion to the first portion 32, the first portion 32functioning conventionally to receive the mowed crop from the header 24(FIG. 1). Note that the structural assembly 22 is secured to the frame20 on the rearward side proximal to the first portion 32. The secondportion 34 is shown at an adjusted nonzero angle relative to the firstportion 32. The second portion 34 may be adjustably positioned (e.g.,manually, or via control of an actuable device) to one of a plurality ofangular positions within a predetermined range relative to the firstportion 32. In one embodiment, the range may be from zero (0) to ten(10) degrees. In some embodiments, the range may be from zero (0) totwenty (20) degrees. In some embodiments, other ranges may be used. Theadjustment may be a continuously variable adjustment in someembodiments, and/or in some embodiments, the adjustment may beincremental (e.g., in predetermined, discrete or incremental movementsor steps). Further, though described in the context of a second portion34 that pivots relative to the first portion 32, in some embodiments,the first portion 32 may also pivot relative to the second portion 34.The angular adjustment is achieved around a pivot joint 36. Also shownin FIG. 2 are frame brackets 38 and 40. The frame bracket 38 is securedto one side (rear side in FIG. 2) of the frame 20, within the firstportion 32. Coupled to the frame bracket 38 is an actuable deviceassembly 42, which includes an actuable device 44 (e.g., hydrauliccylinder, electric rotary actuator, etc.). The frame bracket 40 issecured to the rear side (in FIG. 2) of the frame 20 within the secondportion 34. The frame bracket 40 (and hence the second portion 34 of theframe 20) is pivotably coupled to the pivot joint 36. The frame bracket40 is further coupled to an angular bracket 46 at a location beyond(above) the top of the sides of the frame 20. The angular bracket 46 inturn is moveably coupled to the actuable device 44. That is, throughextension and retraction of the piston/rod assembly of the actuabledevice 44, the second portion 34 is lowered or raised to a desiredangular position relative to the first portion 32. The conveying medium30 is operational (e.g., moves in a circuitous manner), regardless ofthe relative angular position of the second portion 34, throughout thepredetermined range of angular positions. Note that, in one embodiment,the discharge end of the second portion 34 extends (e.g., approximatelytwenty (20) inches) beyond the right hand side of the front wheelbase,which (the end of the extension) is proximal to one end (e.g., the righthand side end) of a thirteen (13) foot wide header. In some embodiments,the width of the header 24 may be shorter or longer using the sameconfiguration and size frame 20 for the crop conveyor system 12 (e.g.,and hence the same dimensional extension past the front wheelbase), orin some embodiments, the frame 20 of the crop conveyor system 12 of adifferent size and/or orientation (e.g., and hence a differentdimensional extension past the front wheelbase) may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is the crop conveyor system 12 configuredin a raised position. Similar to that shown in FIG. 2, the secondportion 34 of the frame 20 is oriented in a non-zero angular positionrelative to the first portion 32. In one example windrower operation,during one pass across the field by the windrower 10 (FIG. 1), the cropconveyor system 12 is oriented in the raised position, such as promptedby operator manipulation of controls/user interface in the cab 26(FIG. 1) of the windrower 10 (or in some embodiments, automaticallypositioned based on detected position coordinates or remotely actuated).With the crop conveyor system 12 in the raised position, the windrower10 discharges mowed crop onto the field in between the front wheels 16(e.g., 16A and 16B). Upon reaching a point where the operator of thewindrower 10 seeks to turn the windrower 10 around, the operatoractivates (or in some embodiments, the activation is automatic based onthe detected coordinate position and/or heading) the crop conveyorsystem 12. The crop conveyor system 12, using the well known structure22, is lowered (FIG. 2) in known manner. In some embodiments, theangular position of the second portion 34 (relative to the first portion32) may be adjusted before operations in the field begins or in realtime (e.g., via a control signal prompted by operator input entered at auser interface in the cab 26 or remotely). Shown in FIG. 2 in thenon-zero angular position, the crop conveyor system 12 receives themowed crop (discharged onto the first portion 32 with or without the aidof the panel 28, FIG. 2), and through movement of the conveying medium30, causes the discharge, with a loft or angle of trajectory determinedby the angular position of the second portion 34 relative to the firstportion 32, of the mowed crop onto the prior-deposited windrow (i.e.,from the prior pass).

Attention is now directed to FIG. 4, which is a schematic diagram thatillustrates, in a close-up, rear isometric view, the crop conveyorsystem 12 configured in a non-zero angled crop discharge position. Asnoted, the crop conveyor system 12 comprises the frame 20 having thefirst portion 32 and the extended or second portion 34, with the panel28 located on the rear side of the frame 20 in FIG. 4 within or proximalto the first portion 32. The conveying medium 30 moves circuitouslywithin the frame 20 (e.g., in a clock-wise direction when viewed fromthe rear of the windrower 10 (FIG. 1) to discharge mowed crop to theside of the windrower 10. As is known, the rate of discharge of themowed crop (or equivalently, the speed of the conveying medium 30) maybe adjusted to enable the mowed crop to be thrown a desired distance,such as based on the header length, the condition of the mowed crop, thetype of mowed crop, among other parameters. Additionally, the angularposition of the second portion 34 relative to the first portion 32 isadjusted (manually or via remote control or control from the cab) basedon similar parameters used to determine the speed of the conveyingmedium 30. Shown on the rear side of the frame 20 of the crop conveyorsystem 12 (e.g., to the left of the pivot joint 36 in FIG. 4) is theframe bracket 38, to which is coupled the actuable device assembly 42that includes the actuable device 44. The frame bracket 40 is coupled tothe pivot joint 36, and is further coupled to the angular bracket 46 tothe right (in FIG. 4) of the pivot joint 36. The angular bracket 46 iscoupled (e.g., at a location above the top sides of the frame 20) to theactuable device 44 to enable angular adjustment of the second portion 34relative to the first portion 32. Also shown is an actuable device(e.g., motor) 48 located in one embodiment, on the rear side of theframe 20, proximal to the discharge end of the second portion 34. Themotor 48 is coupled to a drive roller (obscured by the conveying medium30), which drives the circuitous movement of the conveying medium 30over plural rollers coupled to the frame 20 and sandwiched betweenopposing direction sides of the conveying medium 30. The motor 48 may bea hydraulic motor, or in some embodiments, operable according to othermotive forces (e.g., electric, pneumatic, etc.) and controlled in oneembodiment by an actuable device control (e.g., an actuator or switchthat receives control signals from a controller).

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram that further illustrates, in a close-up,side isometric view, the crop conveyor system 12. Once again, the cropconveyor system 12 is shown in a non-zero angled dischargeconfiguration. Shown is the conveying medium 30 that moves within theframe 20. The pivot joint 36 is shown, as well as the frame bracket 40that is pivotably coupled to the pivot joint 36 (via a bolt, or in someembodiments, other pivotably securing mechanisms) and also secured tothe rear side of the frame 20, enabling the second portion 34 to pivotto an angular position relative to the first portion 32. In oneembodiment, and referring collectively to FIGS. 5A and 5B (and notingthat FIG. 5B pertains to a zero-angled position, whereas FIG. 5Apertains to a non-zero angled position), the pivot joint 36 comprises aroller assembly 50 that is secured in position by bolts (one shown)inserted through each side of the frame 20 and partially within theroller assembly 50 at the pivot joint location. The frame bracket 40 isfurther coupled to an angular bracket 46 that extends above the topsides of the frame 20. The frame bracket 38 associated with the firstportion 32 and attached to the rear side of the frame 20 is coupled tothe actuable device assembly 42, which includes the actuable device 44.The actuable device 44 is coupled to the angular bracket 46, enablingalong with the pivot joint 36, the angular adjustment of the secondportion 34 relative to the first portion 32. Also coupled to the frame20 (e.g., rear side of the frame, though not limited to this location)is the motor 48 which drives an underlying drive roller 52 to causecircuitous movement of the conveying medium 30 across plural rollers 54,56. Note that the underlying framework of the crop conveyor system 12shown in FIG. 5B is illustrative, and that other configurations,including different quantities of rollers, may be used and hence arecontemplated to be within the scope of the disclosure. Also shown is aguide member 58, which may be used singly or in conjunction with anopposing guide member located transversely to the guide member 58proximal to the rear side of the frame 20, hinders movement of theconveying medium 30, in a location adjacent to the transverse lineacross the conveying medium 30 coinciding with the pivot joint 36 androller assembly 50, and in a direction perpendicular to the top surfaceof the conveying medium 30. In other words, the guide member(s) 58ensure the conveying medium 30 rides across the underlying roller 54 inthe area of the joint between the first and second portions 32 and 34.In one embodiment, the guide member(s) 58 achieve this function bypartially overlapping an edge of the top surface of the conveying medium30.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in side elevation view,the crop conveyor system 12 configured in a zero angled crop dischargeposition. In other words, the second portion 34 of the frame 20 isoriented at a zero angle relative to the first portion 32 (e.g., theyare in-line with each other). This zero-angle configuration is achieved,at least in part, through angular rotation about the pivot joint 36, towhich the frame bracket 40 is pivotably coupled. The angular bracket 46coupled on one end to the frame bracket 40 is also coupled on theopposing end (of the angular bracket 46) to the actuable device 44 thatis included within the actuable device assembly 42. The actuable deviceassembly 42 is coupled to the frame bracket 38, as described previously.In one example operation, when the actuable device 44 is extended (e.g.,a rod is extended by virtue of fluid flow/area change adjacent thepiston within the hydraulic cylinder), the extending rod pushes theangular bracket 46 in a clockwise (e.g., when viewed in FIG. 6)rotation, which causes the second portion 34 of the frame 20 to likewiserotate clockwise about the pivot joint 36 to a zero-angled position ofthe second portion 34 relative to the first portion 32.

Having described the overall structure and functionality of anembodiment of a crop conveyor system 12, attention is now directed toFIG. 7 (with continued reference to FIGS. 1-6), which shows anembodiment of an example control system 60 that may be used to controloperations of the crop conveyor system 12. In one embodiment, thecontrol system 60 comprises a controller 62 (e.g., an electronic controlunit or ECU) coupled to one or more sensors 64, user interfaces 66, andactuable device controls 68. In some embodiments, additional controllersmay be used. In one embodiment, the actuable device controls 68 (orequivalently, actuators) are each respectively coupled to one or moreactuable devices, such as actuable devices 44 and 48 (motor 48). In someembodiments, the actuable device controls 68 may be embodied as one ormore devices that are more rudimentary in operation, such as switches(e.g., relays, and/or contactors). Operation of the actuable devices 44and 48 may be based on any one or combination of hydraulic, electric,mechanical, magnetic, pneumatic motive forces. In some embodiments, oneor more of the sensors 64 may be located proximal to components of theactuable devices 44 and 48. One having ordinary skill in the art shouldappreciate in the context of the present disclosure that the examplecontroller 62 is merely illustrative, and that some embodiments ofcontrollers may comprise fewer or additional components, and/or some ofthe functionality associated with the various components depicted inFIG. 7 may be combined, or further distributed among additional modulesor controllers, in some embodiments. Further, it should be appreciatedthat, though described in the context of residing in a single controller62, functionality of the controller 62 may be distributed among aplurality of controllers in some embodiments, and in some embodiments,one or more of the functionality of the controller 62 may be achievedremote from the windrower 10 (e.g., FIG. 1, where the windrower 10 hastelecommunications and/or internet connectivity functionality). Thecontroller 62 is depicted in this example as a computer system, but maybe embodied as a programmable logic controller (PLC), field programmablegate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), amongother devices. It should be appreciated that certain well-knowncomponents of computer systems are omitted here to avoid obfuscatingrelevant features of the controller 62. In one embodiment, thecontroller 62 comprises one or more processors, such as processor 70,input/output (I/O) interface(s) 72, and memory 74, all coupled to one ormore data busses, such as data bus 76. The memory 74 may include any oneor a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random-access memoryRAM, such as DRAM, and SRAM, etc.) and nonvolatile memory elements(e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.). The memory 74 may store anative operating system, one or more native applications, emulationsystems, or emulated applications for any of a variety of operatingsystems and/or emulated hardware platforms, emulated operating systems,etc.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the memory 74 comprises anoperating system 78 and conveyor control software 80. It should beappreciated that in some embodiments, additional or fewer softwaremodules (e.g., combined functionality) may be deployed in the memory 74or additional memory (or in different devices). In some embodiments, aseparate storage device may be coupled to the data bus 76, such as apersistent memory (e.g., optical, magnetic, and/or semiconductor memoryand associated drives). The storage device may be a removable device,such as a memory stick or disc.

In one embodiment, the conveyor control software 80 is executed by theprocessor 70 to receive user input at the user interfaces 66 (e.g., oneor a combination of console button, switch, knob, hydro handle orjoystick, scroll wheel, display screen with selectable icon displayed onthe screen that is manipulated by a mouse or joystick, display screenembodied with selectable icons on a touch-type screen, microphone on aheadset or on the console, etc.), match or associate (e.g., via look-uptable or in some embodiments via programmed switch position activation)the input with a corresponding conveyor function (e.g., adjust anangular position between the first and second portions 32, 34 of theframe 20 of the crop conveyor system 12, drive and/or adjust the speedof the drive rollers 52 via the motor 48, etc.), and actuate one or moreactuable device controls 68, which in turn causes the actuable devices44 and/or 48, among possibly others to be activated accordingly (e.g.,adjust the angular position of the second portion 34 relative to thefirst portion 32, and/or activate the motor 48 to drive the drive roller52, etc.). As to the actuable device controls 68, where the actuabledevice 44 is embodied as a hydraulic cylinder, in one embodiment, theactuable device controls 68 may include a control valve that comprisesan actuator (e.g., solenoid) that receives a control signal from thecontroller 62 (or plural controllers) and responsively, actuates thecontrol valve in known manner to enable a change in flow through thecontrol valve and to the ports of the hydraulic cylinder 44. In responseto the actuation, the hydraulic cylinder 44 (e.g., the extension of therod of the rod-piston assembly) causes the coupled device (e.g., in thecase of the actuable device 44, the angular bracket 46) to move, whichcauses the second portion 34 of the frame 20 to rotate about the pivotjoint 36, resulting in an adjusted angular position. As indicated above,such an adjustment may be achieved in a variably continuous manner or ina discrete, incremental manner, depending on the actuator and/or thecontrol algorithm of the conveyor control software 80. In someembodiments, the actuable device controls 68 may be embodied aselectrical, pneumatic, mechanical actuators, in addition to or in lieuof hydraulic actuation, or in some embodiments, as switches (e.g.,relays, contactors, etc.). In some embodiments, one or more of theactuable devices may be omitted in favor of manual (e.g., mechanical)levers or controls.

Note that the input at the user interfaces 66 may correspond to theoperator engaging the crop conveyor system 12, including well-knownfunctions of swiveling the frame 20 into an operable or engagedposition, positioning the frame 20 up or down, engagement of the motor48 to initiate movement of the conveying medium 30 and speed adjustmentof the conveying medium 30), as well as functions of the disclosedembodiments (e.g., adjustment of the angle of the second portion 34relative to the first portion 32 of the frame 20). In some embodiments,the operator input may include entry of the width of the header and/orcrop type or field conditions. In some embodiments, the sensors 64(e.g., contact type or non-contact type sensors) may provide theconveyor control software 80 with feedback (e.g., signals via I/Ointerfaces 72) regarding certain functions of the windrower 10, such asbased on detection of the current angular position of the second portion34 relative to the first portion 32, or the detected speed at which theconveying medium 30 moves across the plural rollers 54, 56 of the frame20. In some embodiments, other sensor input may include the detectedangular position of the wheels (e.g., detecting whether a turn forapproaching a subsequent pass of the field is occurring to automaticallylower (or raise) the crop conveyor system 12), or positioning and/orheading information (e.g., via global navigation satellite systems(GNSS), radar, laser, video, etc.) signal input to detect when thewindrower 10 has reached an end of field pass to enable the raising orlowering of the crop conveyor system 12. In some embodiments, inputentered by an operator may instead be received via a sensor (e.g., widthof the header may be detected by a camera or video device).

The user interfaces 66 may comprise a display screen coupled to thecontroller 62 with selectable icons, a hydro handle or joystick withselectable buttons or switches, a console with switches, button, knobs,scroll wheel, a microphone, etc., with corresponding signals fromoperator input received at the user interfaces 66 delivered via the I/Ointerfaces 72 to the conveyor control software 80 executing on theprocessor 70. A lookup table (or other form of data structure in someembodiments) may be stored in memory 74 when used to translate the input(e.g., whether via user interfaces input or sensor input) to acorresponding function (e.g., changing the angular position between thefirst and second portions 32, 34 of the frame 20, changing the speed atwhich the conveying medium 30 moves, etc.). The output from the conveyorcontrol software 80 is provided to the actuable device controls 68,which in turn causes the actuable devices (e.g., 44 and 48) toeffectuate movement of structural components of or associated with thecrop conveyor system 12.

In some embodiments, the sensors 64 provide input regarding parametersof the mowed crop, such as moisture content, density, etc. to enableautomatic or semi-automatic (e.g., with some operator intervention)adjustment of settings of the crop conveyor system 12, such as angularadjustment, speed, etc., to ensure uniform and/or untangled windrowformation.

Execution of the conveyor control software 80 may be implemented by theprocessor 70 under the management and/or control of the operating system78. For instance, as is known, the source statements that embody themethod steps or algorithms of the conveyor control software 80 may betranslated by one or more compilers of the operating system 78 toassembly language and then further translated to a corresponding machinecode that the processor 70 executes to achieve the functionality of theconveyor control software 80. Variations of this execution process areknown, depending on the programming language of the software. Forinstance, if Java-based, the compiled output may comprise bytecode thatmay be run on any computer system platform for which a Java virtualmachine or bytecode interpreter is provided to convert the bytecode intoinstructions that can be executed by the processor 70. Also, registertransfer language (or other hardware description language) may be usedto translate source code to assembly language, which the one or moreoperating system compilers translate to executable machine code. In someembodiments, the operating system 78 may be omitted and a morerudimentary manner of control implemented. The processor 70 may beembodied as a custom-made or commercially available processor, a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or an auxiliary processor among severalprocessors, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of amicrochip), a macroprocessor, one or more application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), a plurality of suitably configured digitallogic gates, and/or other well-known electrical configurationscomprising discrete elements both individually and in variouscombinations to coordinate the overall operation of the controller 62.

The I/O interfaces 72 provide one or more interfaces to one or moredevices, such as the actuable device controls 68, the user interfaces66, the sensors 64, among other devices that are coupled directly orindirectly (e.g., over a bus network, such as a CAN network, includingone operating according to ISO-bus) to the controller 62. The I/Ointerfaces 72 may also comprise functionality to connect to othernetworks. For instance, the I/O interfaces 72 may include a networkinterface that enables remote or wireless communications, such as viawell-known telemetry functionality, Blue-tooth communications,near-field, among other electromagnetic spectrum communications.

When certain embodiments of the controller 62 are implemented at leastin part with software (including firmware), as depicted in FIG. 7, itshould be noted that the software can be stored on a variety ofnon-transitory computer-readable medium for use by, or in connectionwith, a variety of computer-related systems or methods. In the contextof this document, a computer-readable medium may comprise an electronic,magnetic, optical, or other physical device or apparatus that maycontain or store a computer program (e.g., executable code orinstructions) for use by or in connection with a computer-related systemor method. The software may be embedded in a variety ofcomputer-readable mediums for use by, or in connection with, aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as acomputer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system thatcan fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system,apparatus, or device and execute the instructions.

When certain embodiments of the controller 62 are implemented at leastin part with hardware, such functionality may be implemented with any ora combination of the following technologies, which are all well-known inthe art: a discrete logic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementinglogic functions upon data signals, an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, aprogrammable gate array(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array(FPGA), etc.

Having described some example embodiments of a crop conveyor system 12,it should be appreciated in view of the present disclosure that oneembodiment of a method of operating a windrower using a crop conveyorsystem, the method depicted in FIG. 8 and denoted as method 82,comprises mowing crop with the header (84); receiving the mowed crop ona conveyor system (86); adjusting a rate at which the mowed crop isdischarged from the conveyor system (88); and adjusting an angle oftrajectory at which the mowed crop is discharged from the conveyorsystem (90).

Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understoodas representing steps in the process, and alternate implementations areincluded within the scope of the embodiments in which functions may beexecuted out of order from that shown or discussed, includingsubstantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on thefunctionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonablyskilled in the art of the present disclosure.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations,merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of thedisclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to theabove-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departingsubstantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein withinthe scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

At least the following is claimed:
 1. A method of operating a windrowerwith a header coupled thereto, the method comprising: mowing crop with aheader configured to harvest crop material as the windrower advancesalong a field and discharge the harvested crop in a rearwardly directedstream; receiving the mowed crop on a conveyor system having a framecoupled to a chassis of the windrower and a moving conveying medium;moving the frame relative the chassis between a non-operational, raisedposition in which the stream of crop material is directed onto theground under the conveying medium and an operational, lowered positionto direct the crop material to a side of the windrower to form a windrowon the ground to the side of the windrower; and adjusting an angle oftrajectory at which the mowed crop is discharged from the conveyorsystem such that a first section of the conveying medium is oriented atan angle different than a second section of the conveying medium,wherein in the operational position and with the frame selected to oneof the predetermined angular adjustments, the conveying mediumdischarges the harvested crop material at an angle of trajectorydetermined by the selected angular position of the second portion. 2.The method of claim 1 further comprising adjusting a rate at which themowed crop is discharged from the conveyor system.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein adjusting the rate comprises adjusting the speed of theconveying medium.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the conveyor systemcomprises a single conveyor that moves within a frame comprising thefirst portion and a second portion separated by a pivot joint, whereinadjusting the rate comprises adjusting the speed of the single conveyor.5. The method of claim 1, wherein the conveyor system comprises a firstconveyor and a second conveyor, wherein adjusting the angle oftrajectory comprises adjusting an angular position of the secondconveyor relative to the first conveyor.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the conveying medium that moves within the frame and comprisingthe first section and the second section separated by a pivot joint,wherein adjusting the angle of trajectory comprises adjusting an angleformed between the first and second sections.